American Government Course Syllabus

Fall 2014 Savannah High School

Mrs. Thomas
Classroom Website: http://mrsthomashistorycorner.weebly.com

Course Description: The government course provides students with a background in the philosophy,
functions, and structure of the United States government. Students examine the philosophical foundations of the
United States government and how philosophy developed. Students also examine the structure and function of
the United States government and its relationship to states and citizens. My goal is to teach so that students can
connect past events to current happenings. I also wish to foster tolerance through education.






Materials:
Students will need to bring a notebook (You must have a binder for my classno other subjects in the
history binder), a three ring binder (1 -1.5 any color desired). The notebook must have 4 tabsBellringers,
Notes, Journals and Vocabulary. Students are expected to bring his/her notebook and a writing utensil (pen
preferred) to class daily. Students are expected to keep up with any assignments given and discussed in class.
Notebook checks and note quizzes will be given at random!!

Instructional Objectives:
As a result of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Recognize and understand the significance of the major events, people, and developments.
2. Explain how these events, people and developments have contributed to the molding of this countrys
history.
3. Enhance their vocabulary, communication, and research skills through discussion and writing.
4. Participate more critically and intelligently in American civic society.
I am available to parents. Please email me at any time should a parent/teacher conference need to be
arranged. I intend to arrive no later than 7:15am daily. I will also stay late on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays;
I will be available to parents and students during that time. Should a parent wish to contact me please do so via
email.
Students should arrange a time to complete make up work. If makeup work is not completed in a timely
manner, a zero will be entered. It is the students responsibility to complete makeup work. I will also be
available for tutoring or extra help. Should students need extra help please just let me know what day(s) they are
able to stay. A weekly agenda will be posted for students on Mondays. After excused absences, students can
request missed work assignments.



Grading:
90-100 A
80 -89 B
70 -79 C
0 -69 F

Grade Breakdown
Tests 40%
Quizzes 20%
Vocabulary 15%
Classwork 20%
Bellringers 5%



Tentative Schedule (Quarter 1)
*Vocabulary Quizzes will be administered Fridays according to schedule
** Pop Quizzes and Notes Quizzes are always a possibility, be prepared!!!
** Journals will be due every Friday**

8/7-8/8
Classroom Procedures, Icebreakers
Diagnostic Test
The Purpose and Principles of Government

8/11-8/15
Forms of Government
Basic Concepts of Democracy
Vocabulary Quiz**
Review of Chapter 1

8/18-8/22
Chapter 1 Quiz
Our Political Beginnings
The Coming of Independence
The Critical Period
Chapter 2 Quiz

8/25-8/29
Creating the Constitution
Ratifying the Constitution/ Review Chapter 2
Chapter 2 Test/ The Six Basic Principles
Formal Amendment/ Journal due

9/1-9/5
Labor Day
Constitutional Change by Any Means/ Review
Chapter 3 Test
Federalism: The Division of Power
The National Government and the 50 States/
Interstate Relations

9/8-9/12
Chapter 4 Quiz
Parties and what they do/ The Two Party System
The Two Party System in American HistoryWho
Do You Think You Are Activity
The Minor Parties/ Party Organization
Chapter 5 Review
**Progress Reports (9/10) **

9/15-9/19
Chapter 5 Test
The Right to Vote/ Voter Qualifications
Suffrage and Civil Rights
Voter Behavior/ Review
Chapter 6 Quiz






9/22-9/26
The Nominating Process/Elections
Money and Elections
~~Pop Test (Chapter 7)~~
** Inservice (9/25)
** Holiday (9/26)

9/28-10/3
Public Opinion/Measuring Public Opinion
The Mass Media/ Review
Chapter 8 Test/The Nature of Interest Groups
Types of Interest Groups
Interest Groups at Work/ Review

10/6-10/10
Chapter 9 Test
The National Legislature/ The House of
Representatives
The Senate/ The Members of Congress
Review/The Scope of Congressional Powers
Chapter 10 Test

*Grading Period Ends 10/10
*Report Cards issued October 16